Rangers-Devils again? Think 1994

Back in 1994, Ace of Base was still popular. Yep, that's how long ago it was.

But if the Devils get one more win, they'll be back in the Eastern Conference finals, possibly facing their old pals the Rangers.

If that happens, it will be a rematch of maybe the greatest conference final of this generation.

The Rangers beat the Devils in seven games, with the last game being the THIRD in the series to go double overtime. That game ended with a goal by Stephane Matteau, one that Rangers fans will never forget.

And yes, Martin Brodeur played in that series, too.

It would be amazing to see Brodeur try to top the Rangers on the way to his fourth career Stanley Cup championship.

In order to get that chance, the Devils have to finish off the heretofore punchless Flyers in tonight's Game 5 in Philadelphia.

Andrej Meszaros is returning for the Flyers tonight in what could be called a desperation move for the struggling club that not-so-long-ago pounded the Penguins into submission. Claude Giroux is out, though, and that might even be for the best in many ways.

Do the Flyers have anything left in the tank? Will their fans cave in and saunter home if the Devils take command early in Game 5 as they have so many times?

We'll see. Here is the Delaware County Times' Rob Parent's pregame story including this video of Claude Giroux discussing his suspension.

Check back here for updates on the game and a final story when it's all over. One way or the other, this blog will follow the Devils-Flyers winner and possibly the Rangers into the next round any time the game does not get into our print paper.